Social Security
Pension Rights
There is no statutory retirement age in Ireland. Normal Retirement age for Men and Women in Ireland is 65. In general, an insured person aged between 65 and 66 is regarded as retired as long as they do not have earnings of €38 per week or more as an employee or income of €3,174.35 or more per year from self-employment. State Pension (Transition) may be payable from age 65 to 66 to people who have retired from full-time employment and who satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions. The amount of State Pension (Transition) is €230.30 per week (maximum). If the average number of annual contribution weeks registered is more than 24, but less than 48, a reduced pension is payable. The worker must have paid 520 contributions at the appropriate rate. The State Pension (Transition) will no longer be paid from 1 January 2014.
State Pension (Contributory) is payable from pension age (66 years) onwards to any insured person who satisfies certain PRSI contribution conditions. The qualifying age will rise to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028. A worker can receive this pension if he/she continues working. It cannot be paid in addition to State Pension (Transition). State Pension (Contributory) is also € 238.30 per week (maximum). If the average number of annual contribution weeks registered is more than 10, but less than 48, a reduced pension is payable. The worker must have paid 520 contributions at the appropriate rate. People aged 66 or over who do not qualify for the State Pension (Contributory) may be entitled to State Pension (Non-Contributory), subject to a habitual residence and a means test.
Supplements are paid for qualified adults and children. An additional allowance of € 9.00 per week is payable where the pensioner is living alone. The amount of State Pension (Non-Contributory) is € 227 for workers aged 66 but under 80 (€237 for those older than 80 years)
Source: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/older_and_retired_people/; http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/extra_social_welfare_benefits/living_alone_allowance.html
Dependents' / Survivors' Benefit
Contributory Widow's Pension and Orphan's Allowance is mainly covered in survivors’ benefits. The contributory conditions need to be met to become eligible for these benefits. Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's (Contributory) Pension is payable as long as the recipient remains a widow/widower, or does not live with a new partner. The amount of the pension varies according to the age of the surviving spouse and divorced spouse:
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under age 66: €198.50 per week;
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over age 66 (but under 80 years): €238.30 per week;
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aged 80 years and over: €248.30
An additional allowance of €9 per week is payable where the survivor is living alone. An increase of € 29.80 per week is payable for each qualified child under 18 years of age (or under 22 years of age if the child is in full-time education). This increase may be combined with family benefits.
Orphan children having lost both parents are entitled to Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) of € 176 per week if the orphan is under 18 years of age (or under 22 years of age if in full-time education). Orphans without entitlement to Guardian’s Payment (Contributory) may receive Guardian’s Payment (Non-contributory) subject to a habitual residence and means test. Other benefits include a once-off Funeral Grant of € 850.
Source: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/death_related_benefits/
Invalidity Benefit
The invalidity Pension is payable to insured persons who are permanently incapable of work and who satisfy the contribution conditions:
- Not less than 260 weekly contributions; and
- Not less than 48 weekly contributions must have been paid in the last tax year.
Normally, before qualifying for invalidity pension, an insured person will have been receiving a flat rate illness benefit for at least 12 months. Payment may continue after age 66, but only if the recipient in not awarded an old age pension. The invalidity benefit is equal to EUR 198.50 per week for people aged under 66. If the disabled person has a dependent adult partner, an additional amount of EUR 141.70 per week will be granted.
Source: www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Invalidity-Pension.aspx
Regulations on Social Security
- Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2011
